Green by Hand

Katie Green of Green by Hand is an entrepreneurial triple threat; well educated, highly motivated and a true Barrie local.

Handling a quadruple minor at Mount Allison University with ease, the decision to follow her academic pursuits rather than fine art interests seemed prudent; but while working at Whistler, Katie realized something was missing. After taking her first screen printing course, Katie heard change calling. Enrollment at OCAD followed for printmaking plus material art and design.

“The next logical next step was a booth at the Barrie Farmers’ Market; initially to sell my art and diminish the stores of my work.”

Katie attended the first cohort of the Artrepreneur program. The network of contacts she acquired through participation created a community of supportive fellow artists. Invited back to address the second cohort session, Katie stressed “you’re not going to learn everything here, but you’re going to learn the avenues you need to find out everything.

Artrepreneur provides you with a little bit of everything, as you need to know more, you will know where and how to look.”

Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) short talks held at the Barrie Public Library provided direct inspiration for one of Green by Hand’s signature t-shirts. When local yogi Ann Green, was the guest EIR speaker, Katie captured the theme with her ‘My Attitude is Gratitude’ slogan, sold at the Bliss Studio.

“I get to wear my shirts, it acts as great promotion, when people say what do you do – I say I do this!”

Supporting small business in Barrie creates mutually beneficial relationships. The drawings Katie creates are transformed into merchandise which in turn is purchased for the vendors use, or sold in their shops. Homestead Artisan Bakery owners and staff wear t-shirts and hoodies with Green by Hand original designs.

Local drives Green by Hand; it provides inspiration for her work, “it means knowing where things come from, the clothes you wear, the food you eat, and it puts a face behind where your money goes. You are celebrating other people’s achievements in your community; it creates that community, helping people to make a living, what they are passionate about, what drives them. The quality of local in Barrie is amazing.” The relationships between people and their spaces on Dunlop Street provided the motivation for Katie Green’s Downtown Barrie Colouring Book project. “I wanted to celebrate our downtown and allow people to participate through colouring.”

Using the language of popular business manual, The E Myth, Katie refers to herself as technician, entrepreneur and manager, and her discovery of how all 3 roles must be equally weighted.

“The fear of many artists, as they go into business for themselves is that while they are very good at making something they don’t have the other skills, those necessary to market, talk to people or manage their time. Many go back to work for someone else becauseit is easier”.

“Artrepreneur provides artistic types with a skill set that balances this”.